Falling objects targeted by safety inspections

Falling objects at construction sites will be the target of WorkSafe inspections during a three-week blitz in Victoria.

More than 860 construction workers have been injured by falling objects such as bricks, tiles, concrete and timber since 2010.

Almost 1000 inspections will be carried out at commercial, residential and industrial construction sites.

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Marnie Williams said ensuring loose building materials and tools were secured at building sites could make the difference between life and death.

“Each year, WorkSafe investigates serious injuries and countless near misses involving falling objects at construction sites,” she said.

“We know that even a small tool or a bolt falling from a building site can cause life-threatening injuries. That’s why every builder must assess their site throughout the day and identify materials or objects that could fall in or outside of the site boundaries.”

Materials placed close to the edge of an incomplete upper level or left unsecured pose a particularly high risk as they can be blown by the wind or knocked down, posing a threat to both workers and the general public on the street below.

“Any object, no matter how small, can be deadly if it falls from a height, so builders need to constantly assess the work being undertaken to ensure these kinds of materials are secured,” said Williams.

For more information on the upcoming site visits, go to www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/construction.

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